Bio

Charles Pugh serves as the President of the Detroit City Council - the legislative branch of city government. This honorable body is responsible for, not only, approving the city’s budget and contracts, but also, passing ordinances and resolutions. With his historic election, Pugh is charged with helping to revive the City of Detroit.

Born and raised on the city's west side, Pugh faced tragedy at an early age. At the age of three, Pugh lost his mother in a homicide and, just four years later, his father, who had recently gotten re-married, committed suicide. Nevertheless, Pugh, raised by his grandmother, was able to overcome these sad and unfortunate events to achieve great success throughout his life.

After graduating from Murray Wright High School, Pugh went on to earn his degree in journalism from the prestigious University of Missouri. As a teenager, Pugh had a dream of returning to Detroit as an anchor-reporter. He accomplished this goal in 1999 – just ten years after high school graduation.

After serving as a respected journalist in Columbia, Missouri; Topeka, Kansas; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Norfolk, Virginia, Pugh became a highly celebrated reporter at Fox 2 Detroit. In his self-proclaimed “dream job,” Pugh was able to convey his unwavering love for this city, becoming an “adopted” family member to many Detroiters. Pugh was able to translate this overwhelming affection into another impressive opportunity, when he became the commentator and news director of WJLB FM 98. In these roles, Pugh made it a point to encourage and empower Detroiters to work towards a future they desired and deserved.

Although Pugh diligently served his community as an advocate, mentor and journalist, he decided to add another title to his extensive resume'. Pugh, compelled by an urge to better serve the city he loves so much, submitted his name as a candidate for Detroit City Council in 2009. His message of providing citizens with competent, ethical and transparent leadership, resonated with Detroiters, as their votes placed him #1 in the primary and general elections.

As Council President, Pugh is committed to engaging, informing and empowering citizens to reclaim their communities and improve their neighborhoods. A strong proponent of education, Pugh engages the city’s youth as a teacher and mentor. President Pugh is a member of the Detroit Public Schools Reading Corps where he dedicates time each week to increase the reading performance of 2nd and 3rd grade students. He has adopted the Fredrick Douglas Academy where he implemented the Male Leadership Academy – a weekly forum that increases students’ exposure to strong male leadership. Pugh is a faithful member of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church and serves with Hartford Men United where he mentors at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center.

Pugh has been accepted into the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School where he will become a 2011 fellow in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. In addition, he is the recipient of many honors, awards, and citations including Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence award. Most recently, he was honored with placement on Crain’s Detroit Business’ 40 under 40. In addition, Pugh has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Instinct Magazine.

President Pugh’s board responsibilities include the Michigan Municipal League; the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation; the Detroit Transportation Corporation: the Detroit Election Commission; the Detroit Employee Benefits Plan; the Democratic Municipal Officials, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy; the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments; and TechTown.